There are few events more meaningful in life than becoming parents for the first time, and if someone in your life is expecting, then making a fuss of them before the big day is a wonderful way to show you care. A baby shower has long been the most traditional way to celebrate impending motherhood, with family and friends coming together to bestow gifts and make the mother-to-be feel special before their life is imminently consumed with night feeds, nappy changes and getting to know their new arrival.
If the very thought of a baby shower brings to mind baby food tasting games and guess-the-birth-date sweepstakes – in other words, about as far from luxurious and glamorous as it gets – then the good news is that there are plenty of ways to inject a little sophistication into proceedings that don’t involve either of the above. From champagne and canapes to extravagant picnics, the traditional baby shower has officially undergone a makeover by luxury lovers, with the entire event reimagined to suit a more refined set of tastes, and summer is the perfect time to host one.
Need a little inspiration? Well-known U.A.E based Youtubers Anas Al-Marwa and Asaia Al-Maleh last year hosted a lavish, no-expense-spared baby shower that was thought to have been one of the most expensive ever. Taking place at the prestigious Burj Khalifa hotel, the couple poured an eye-watering $95,000 into the party, the highlight of which was a three-minute gender reveal showcase, with the entire hotel illuminated in blue in honour of their soon-to-be-born little boy.
Overseas travel might be tricky at the moment, but you can throw an equally extravagant soiree right here on home soil. Here, we take a look at how to nail the most luxurious baby shower yet – from the gifts to the décor, and everything in between.
The gift
If you’re hosting a surprise baby shower for a friend or family member and want to give them a gift that will truly blow them away, then Sue Gragg’s diamond ‘Mama’ ring is a precious and thoughtful present that they won’t want to take off their finger for years to come. There are also plenty of gorgeous designer gift options for new babies, including Gucci’s super cute logo babygrows – but if you really want to give them something thoughtful, then why not create them a bespoke luxury hamper packed with lavish gifts for both mother and child?
A pampering package at their favourite high-end spa will always go down a treat if you want to spoil them before baby arrives – while signing them up to Your Baby Club will ensure that new mums have instant access to all the latest parenting advice and tips, as well as a catalogue of gorgeous baby goodies and offers. Add a super-soft plushie toy, a cute teething ring and a super-luxe Alex and Alexa mobile to hang over their cot, and you have a beautiful gift box they are certain to love.
Don’t have time to build your own? Head to Fortnum and Mason for some gorgeous pre-filled hampers that are packed with beautiful gifts and toys.
The décor
Dressing up an outdoor space in honour of the big event is a quick and easy way to transform a garden or field into something truly special indeed. Luxury glamping companies like Enchanted Bell Tents work with a number of high-end venues and can provide fully equipped bell tents for the occasion, complete with colourful, themed bunting, rose garlands, battery-powered tea and fairy lights and a selection of luxurious table runners, cushions and blankets to create a stylish yet comfortable outdoor set-up.
The catering
In-keeping with the English country garden theme, putting on a gorgeous picnic-style spread will keep guests fed and watered in style. Check out Selfridges’ decadent selection of luxury food hampers, which are filled with a selection of breads, cakes, scones, jams, cheeses and chutneys – and don’t forget the champagne (alcohol free for the mother-to-be, and a few good bottles of Bollinger for the guests). Having a cake specially made for the occasion is a great way to put the cherry on top – a ‘naked’ sponge decorated with fresh fruit and cream is the perfect piece-de-resistance and is certain to impress everyone in attendance.
